HC Deb 25 February 1929 vol 225 cc1571-2
62. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is prepared to grant, under similar conditions, to established flying clubs, as for example the Lancashire Aero Club, the same Government assistance as that which he proposes to grant to National Flying Services, Limited, for the training of pilots?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Samuel Hoare)

The 13 subsidised light aeroplane clubs, including the club mentioned by my hon. Friend, are already receiving Government assistance on a much more liberal scale than that proposed for National Flying Services, Limited, while they are under no similar obligation as regards the provision and maintenance of a chain of aerodromes and landing grounds as a condi- tion of the grant of the subsidy. No change is contemplated in the agreements under which the existing light aeroplane clubs are subsidised.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are quite a number of undertakings which specialise in this type of flying, and are successful and expanding, and does he think that it is fair that they should be subject to Government subsidised competition?

Sir S. HOARE

I think that had better be discussed on the Air Estimates, but may I say in a single sentence, in reply to the hon. Member, that under the National Flying Services, Limited, the subsidy for pilots is £10 per pilot, whereas at present we are paying to the light aeroplane clubs £10 to £50 per pilot.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Is it not a fact that the subsidy is shortly to come to an end?

Sir S. HOARE

No. The agreements run in most cases for nearly two years further.